40% of U.S. military submarines are under repair

Almost 40% of US military submarines – 18 out of 49 – are under repair due to shipyard delays. This was reported by Bloomberg news agency with reference to statistics provided by the US Congressional Research Service.

According to the agency, the figure is almost twice as high as desired by the U.S. Navy. As of this year, 18 of the U.S. Navy’s 49 attack submarines – 37% – are out of service. This puts the U.S. at a severe disadvantage compared to China’s numerically superior navy.

Ronald O’Rourke, a naval analyst with the U.S. Congressional Research Service, said maintenance delays have “significantly reduced” the number of nuclear submarines in service.” This reduces “the force’s ability to perform day-to-day missions and potentially puts increased operational pressure” on submarines in service.

For its part, the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command cited “planning, material availability and shipyard operations.” The agency is also reported to have launched initiatives to address factors related to “maintenance delays.”

According to Chuck Young of the Government Accountability Office, the statistics released “are not surprising given the fact that shipyards are struggling to support the fleet with their older facilities and ineffective planning.” Bloomberg points out that the Navy is on a five-year, 20-year plan to renovate four shipyards. Young is confident that the Navy is unlikely to have a better forecast for the situation until 2025.

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